USE OF RT SEMINESTED PCR TO ASSESS VIRAL CONTAMINATION IN CARIBBEAN RIVERS (MARTINIQUE)

RT seminested PCR was used to detect enterovirus and hepatitis A virus RNA in polluted surface water in a Caribbean island. Similar results were obtained from samples with or without PEG concentrations: viral R NA being detected in about 60% of river samples. No correlation was fo und with bacterial contamination, but some inhibitors may have been pr esent. PCR would seem to be a good tool for monitoring surface water p ollution.